Brandy de Jerez - a certain type of brandy made from sherry and having a unique production technology. As for geography, this type of drink is made in Spain in the territory of the so-called "Sherry Triangle" (province of Cadiz). According to statistics, such brandy is the most popular Spanish alcoholic drink. This country ranks first in the world in its production.
Differences
Sherry brandy differs from its “brethren” in that it is made in a strictly limited area. The production of sherry brandy is subject to strict rules, regulations and centuries-old traditions.
The manufacture of this drink provides for a long exposure in special barrels made of American oak. Moreover, in these barrels before brandy, sherry wine must be ripened for a couple of years. Depending on the wine stored in these containers, the color of the brandy will subsequently change. If the barrels had light sherry (Fino), then in the end the brandy will have a lighter golden hue. If it was dark (Pedro Jimenez, Oloroso or Cream), then, accordingly, the drink will turn out to have a deeper brown tint.
The volume of barrels is also strictly regulated and should not exceed 500 liters. Unscrupulous manufacturers who decide to save on production time take barrels of up to 1000 liters. Experts say that with this approach, sherry brandy significantly loses in taste. The taste of the finished product will not be so strong and rich.
Appearance story
Like all ingenious, the Spanish sherry brandy appeared purely by accident. Legend says that for unknown reasons, a ship traveling from Holland refused to take on board a batch of wine distillate. Spanish winemakers, not knowing what to do, found empty sherry barrels and poured the contents of the entire batch there. After, as often happens, they completely forgot about what was done.
For several years, sherry barrels, filled with wine distillate, stood on the pier. One of the sailors decided to open them and try the contents. As a result, people got the true drink of the gods. Sherry brandy turned tart, rich and strong. Wine alcohol has evaporated, leaving an elegant, pleasant taste.
The name of the brandy drink is rooted in the 16th century and means “fiery wine”. Initially, wine distillate was used only for the preparation of infusions or liquors. Later, the Spaniards immediately grasped the idea of producing an unusual drink and still do not let it go, being leaders in this area of the wine industry.
Production Features
For the manufacture of wine, which subsequently is called upon to become the best brandy in the world, Ayren or Palomino grapes are used. The wine is launched in special distillation cubes that operate continuously. To obtain a high-quality drink, alcohol is needed, distilled in special aggregates - alkitaras. As you know, good brandy contains at least 45 degrees of alcohol. But during production, high temperatures are used, and the degree of alcohol output is very high. In this regard, only the middle fraction is used for production.
After that, the alcohol level in the wine distillate is 70-90 percent. To get vintage exclusive options, the distillate is placed in oak barrels. In vivo, without the use of auxiliary resources, by simple evaporation, the percentage of alcohol in the future brandy is reduced. Conventional brandies are diluted with water so that the rate is 44-45 degrees. Luxury drinks are not diluted. They just wait until the alcohol content decreases naturally.
Only in Jerez is used not only the unique technology by which sherry-brandy and other varieties are produced, but also a special process of “growing" the drink. To create the perfect sherry brandy, barrels are placed in a special way: below is a new crop, above is more aged alcohol.
After "maturing" it is poured into bottles. In the process of overflowing into the container, parts from several barrels are taken. Such a process is called "extraction." As a result, winemakers get an amazing drink, consisting of several grape varieties of different harvest years.
It is important to note that barrels are never completely empty. Only a part of the product is taken, and in return later alcohol is added from the containers in which the products obtained from the new crop are stored. This is called rocio.
Types of Sherry Brandy
Sherry brandy can belong to one of three main categories. Everything will depend on the exposure time:
- Brandy de Jerez Solera (aging - six months, amber color, vanilla smell).
- Brandy de Jerez Solera Rezerva (aging - a year or more, dark color, complex flavoring bouquet).
- Brandy de Jerez Solera Gran Rezerva (aging - more than three years, a complex bouquet, aromatic and long aftertaste).
How to choose brandy
As professional winemakers say, among a huge variety of varieties of this drink, a person will always find the kind that will conquer it. Some people like light brandy, others like dark brandy. Someone prefers a sweetish taste, while others prefer a completely dry one. It is said that each species has its own unique taste and shade, depending on the barrel in which it was stored and the exposure time. It is advised to choose Spanish brandy, reviews of which are exclusively positive. People who know a lot will not recommend a bad option.
How to drink sherry brandy
Transparent glass made of thin glass. Typically, such glasses are also used to serve cognac. They are not too deep, but also rather large in volume. How much to pour into a glass? Pour in such a way that when laying it on the table in a horizontal position, the drink does not pour out.
Experts do not recommend immediately proceeding to the tasting. The drink should stand in the glass for several minutes. Only after that he will fully share with you his exquisite aroma, taste and aftertaste.
The most famous manufacturers of sherry brandy
Williams & Humbert. The company was founded in 1877. According to experts, it is considered the main authority in the production of this drink. Sherry brandy of this company has a smooth vanilla taste.
Gonzales Byass. The company was founded over a hundred and seventy years ago. Tio Pepe is a brand of sherry brandy, one of the most popular in the world. The company produces both young varieties used to make cocktails and rich drinks with a long exposure.
Sanchez Romate. The company began operations in 1781. This is the oldest company producing this drink. Thanks to the centuries-old experience in producing the brandy of this company, they are distinguished by a rich, noble taste, amazing exquisite aroma and the highest quality.
Sherry brandy cocktails
Sherry brandy - a drink, as they say, for an amateur. Some call it blasphemy mixing it with something, while others can not use it in its pure form. If you belong to the second category, then we offer some simple recipes for brandy cocktails.
- With Coca-Cola: one part of sherry brandy, two - Cola. You can add a few ice cubes.
- With cocoa: one part of the main drink, two parts of chilled cocoa, ice.
- With orange juice: one part brandy, two parts freshly squeezed orange juice.
- With lemon and sugar: three parts sherry brandy, one part lemon juice, one spoonful of sugar.